Music Biz Headlines, May 2, 2018
Vancouver grunge precursors Slow returns after 30 years, YouTube is eyeing music streaming options, and the rejuvenation of Lindi Ortega make the news. Also in today's headlines are Come From away, Eurovision, Jon Landau, Derek Taylor, Jeremy Dutcher, Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue, Harry Hudson, and Moby Grape.
By Kerry Doole
The Return of Slow, Canada's Greatest Rock'n'Roll Band
Homelessness, debauchery, failed record deals and a scene that burst into prominence just as they ended derailed Vancouver band Slow. Thirty years later, they're making an unlikely return –Jason Schneider, Exclaim
A year after her almost-retirement, country artist Lindi Ortega is rejuvenated and free
In 2017, the singer-songwriter with a noir-country edge released what was intended to be her swan song to the music business – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Come From Away’s Toronto run gets extension to January 2019
Hit show announces the addition of 12 weeks to its run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre – Toronto Star
Is YouTube preparing to challenge Spotify and Apple Music?
Google is reportedly streamlining its music streaming options. The next step might be going after the two most prominent players in the space – Christina Bonnington, Slate
'I want something magical': Russia's banned Eurovision singer is back
As she prepares for this year’s contest, Julia Samoylova talks about being at the centre of a diplomatic crisis and bringing a big power ballad to Lisbon – Alex Marshall, The Guardian
Jon Landau on Rock’s Future, Bruce On Broadway & Elvis
Ever since the night The Real Paper rock critic Jon Landau saw a young artist opening for Bonnie Raitt at the Harvard Square Theater on May 9, 1974, and wrote the immortal words, “I saw rock ‘n’ roll’s future and its name is Bruce Springsteen,” the pair’s careers have been inextricably linked – Roy Trakin, Pollstar
This trip's a drag man!
Derek Taylor's Beatles memoir needs to be translated into modern English from 'Sixties speak'. But the book has its groovy moments... – Craig Brown, The Mail On Sunday
Taylor Swift’s team says this is all part of a plan to maximize ticket prices and minimize scalping. But is that strategy working out?
Team Taylor is already claiming record-setting sales ahead of its ‘reputation’ tour. But a quick look at Swift’s upcoming shows on ticketmaster.com reveals a potentially serious issue – Paul Resnikoff, Digital Music News
Jeremy Dutcher’s debut album is full of musical mastery
The Toronto-based composer and vocal artist pays homage to his Wolastoq First Nation roots on acclaimed new release – Richard Trapunski, NOW
Kylie on how ageing, breast cancer and Nick Cave all influenced her greatest hits
The Australian pop great picks out her favourite songs of a three-decade career, from escaping the creative boredom of the Kylie & Jason years to the dancefloor classics of her new album, Golden – Michael Hann, The Guardian
How bad luck harpooned the career of '60s San Fran rockers Moby Grape
On paper, San Francisco’s Moby Grape should have been as big as their Summer of Love contemporaries like the Grateful Dead, Santana, Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and the Steve Miller Blues Band. A new book explores their ill fortunes – Bob Ruggiero, Houston Press
After making it out of darkness, Harry Hudson is on a quest for meaning and light
Harry Hudson has faced quite a bit in his 24 years. A bout with cancer forced the folk-pop singer-songwriter to confront death before he was even old enough to get into a bar, and overcoming his illness sparked a depression that left him contemplating suicide – Gerrick Kennedy, LA Times
Mike BilcoxJordan Letkemann (London, Ontario)
Not By Choice in Japan.Daisuke Ihorihara (Hiroshima, Japan)